In its recent report, The North Carolina Board of Education ranked the Watauga County School District 5th in the state for overall proficiency, grades 3rd through 8th and 9th through 12th. According to US News & World Report, Watauga County Schools saw right at 60% of elementary students test at or above the proficient level for reading, and 60% tested at or above that level for math. The school system serves close to 4,700 students in the current school year and consists of 11 public schools, K through 12th grade.